Black-throated finch (white-rumped subspecies)
Common name: Black-throated finch white-rumped subspecies (white-rumped subspecies )
Scientific name: Poephila cincta cincta
Family: Estrildidae
Conservation status: The black-throated finch (BTF) white-rumped subspecies (also known as the BTF southern subspecies) is listed as Endangered in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992) and nationally (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). It is ranked as a high priority under the Department of Environment and Resource Management Back on Track species prioritisation framework.
Description
The BTF white-rumped subspecies is a small, small solid bird with a distinctive black throat which contrasts with the blue-grey head and brown back, As the name suggests, it has a white rump with a black tail. The breast is cinnamon coloured and the belly is white. The bill is dark grey and legs are orange-red. It is distinguished from the northern black-rumped subspecies Poephila cincta atropygialis by its white rump and richer brown plumage. The plumage of both males and females tends to be similar.
Habitat and distribution
The BTF white-rumped subspecies once extended from Inverell in north-east New South Wales, through eastern Queensland, to the Atherton Tablelands and west to central Queensland. In north Queensland (Atherton Tablelands, north to Cape York Peninsula and west to the Gulf of Carpentaria) the distribution of this subspecies overlaps with that of the northern subspecies. The BTF white-rumped subspecies range has contracted by up approximately 80 percent of its former extent over the last 20 years and is now restricted to the northern part of its former range.
The BTF white-rumped subspecies inhabits grassy woodland dominated by eucalypts, paperbarks or acacias and where there is accessibility to seeding grasses. Recent records from Queensland suggest that riparian habitat is particularly important as these seem to provide shelter within a highly fragmented and modified environment.
Diet
The diet of the BTF white-rumped subspecies consists primarily of grass seed and other vegetative matter. Foraging for small insects such as flying termites, tends to occur during the wet season and after heavy rain. These birds also drink regularly during the day.
Life history and behaviour
The BTF white-rumped subspecies appears to be sedentary, although localised movement has been observed. As it requires a variety of habitats to access a year round supply of seed, birds may move between different habitats, and in response to drought.
Flocks of 40 or more are formed by this sociable bird and contact is maintained during the day by calling. When individuals congregate, they will head-bob profusely to each other. Nesting occurs from spring into early autumn and pairs will separate from flocks during breeding. Domed nests are constructed in trees or tree hollows. Between five to nine eggs are laid per brood and up to two broods may be produced per year. Incubation is 12 days with fledging occurring after 21 days. The young are independent at around 40 days.
Threatening processes
Declines in the BTF white-rumped subspecies began early in the 20th century with the development of pastoralism. Clearing and overgrazing within the subspecies' preferred habitat is the most likely cause of range contractions. Declines commenced in the southern part of the subspecies range in NSW and appear to now be evident in its northern range. Potential threats to the subspecies include:
- Clearing and fragmentation of woodland, riverside habitats and wattle shrubland;
- Degradation of habitat from overgrazing by domestic stock, rabbits, and alterations to fuel load, vegetation structure and wet season food availability;
- Inappropriate fire regimes which alter habitat;
- Invasion of habitat by exotic weed species, including exotic grasses;
- Illegal trapping of birds for the bird trade;
- Predation by introduced predators; and
- Hybridisation with the northern subspecies.
Recovery actions
- Develop standard survey guidelines and undertake targeted surveys to clarify the extent of the subspecies distribution.
- Secure breeding sites that contain viable populations for conservation.
- Address threats on grazing lands by informing landholders of management practices that are appropriate for the survival of BTF populations.
- Monitor the effectiveness of land management practices and review if necessary.
- Increase public awareness of the subspecies status and threats, and encourage involvement in the recovery program.
What can be done to help this species?
- Maintain/restore riparian grasslands.
- Implement control programs targeting exotic weed species (including grasses).
- Do not trap or collect individuals for private collections or the bird trade.
- Report sightings of the BTF white-rumped subspecies to local Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) offices.
Related information
Black-throated Finch Recovery Team. Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. 2007. National recovery plan for the black-throated finch southern subspecies Poephila cincta cincta. Report to the Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Canberra. Department of Environment and Climate Change (NSW), Hurstville and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.
Garnett. S.T and Crowley. G.M. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Immelmann, K. 1982. Australian Finches, Second Edition. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Last updated 7 March 2011